A new report from the Ethics and Public Policy Center is reigniting debate over the role of politics in American athletics—calling for a “reclaiming” of Team USA from the grip of ideological activism. The report, authored by EPPC fellow Dr. Jennifer S. Bryson, urges sweeping reforms to refocus the mission of U.S. national sports teams on excellence and unity, not political expression.
"Our national teams have a duty to represent the United States united, not divisive agendas. At present, however, America’s national sports teams are taking advantage of their national and international prominence to promote activist causes."https://t.co/M42TX1QPL1
— Ryan T. Anderson (@RyanTAnd) June 13, 2025
Titled “Reclaim Team USA Sports from Activism,” the document criticizes the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and its affiliated governing bodies for incorporating activist messaging—such as LGBTQIA+ symbols, Black Lives Matter slogans, and gun control advocacy—into uniforms, events, and official communications. The report contends that such politicization erodes national cohesion, alienates fans, and undermines the purpose of international competition.
“National teams that advocate activist causes make the United States look like a nation that prioritizes promoting political agendas over honoring our country,” the report states. Bryson argues that uniforms should display only the U.S. flag and the national colors—red, white, and blue—and avoid slogans or symbols that suggest endorsement of partisan or ideological positions.
One example cited is U.S. Soccer’s use of rainbow-colored insignia and the “Progress-Pride” crest on jerseys and training gear during major tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The report contends these actions not only misrepresent the team’s purpose but may also coerce athletes into promoting causes that conflict with personal or religious beliefs.
It points to the 2017 case of Jaelene Daniels, a standout defender who declined a call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team rather than wear a rainbow-themed jersey. “That a top-level athlete would be effectively excluded for refusing to wear a political symbol should concern every American who values religious liberty and equal opportunity,” Bryson wrote.
To address these concerns ahead of global competitions like the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the EPPC proposes a series of reforms:
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Executive Action: President Trump should establish a Commission on Governance and American Excellence in Sports (GAmES) to audit and reform the culture and standards of Team USA organizations. The commission’s launch could coincide with Flag Day or the Fourth of July to emphasize national unity.
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Congressional Oversight: Lawmakers should impose statutory limits on political or activist expressions in Team USA attire, with provisions to dissolve the USOPC’s board in cases of persistent noncompliance.
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USOPC Policy Reforms: The organization should ban activist insignia from uniforms, merchandise, and public materials, and protect athletes from being pressured into advocacy roles.
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NGB Accountability: National Governing Bodies should prioritize competition and advocate for international bans on ideological symbols in global tournaments.
The report is also sharply critical of the USOPC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda, arguing it has drifted from fostering athletic excellence into a form of soft political enforcement. It notes USOPC’s recent “Pride Collection” and NGB campaigns for transgender inclusion as examples of misaligned priorities.
“Sports should inspire civic harmony and physical health, not serve as billboards for controversial causes,” Bryson said. “As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, we should be celebrating unity—not manufacturing division.”
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, the future of Team USA’s identity—whether as a symbol of unity or a stage for activism—may soon be decided not on the field, but in Washington.
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And the U.S. Olympic Committee should take a lesson from some other countries and change the clothing styles for women gymnasts from the “scanty expose everything” outfits they wear now to the slick full body suites similar to what swimmers are now using. What they wear now is terribly degrading. These women are fantastic athletes and the committee dresses them like half naked beach babes. I’m not a prude but I think forcing the kinds of outfits they wear now is very degrading.
Amen! Our athletes represent the UNITED States Of America.